👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Boom and Bust Candidates for Week 5: The Early Games

One rule I live by hard and fast in fantasy football is to never make any judgments about my team or any players before the first four weeks of the season. Especially now, with abbreviated practices and training camps, the first four weeks are often an extension of the preseason. But with Week 4 officially in the books and Week 5 upon us, we now have a large enough sample to start drawing some real conclusions about who a player is and what he can and can't do.

For example, the first four weeks of the season have shown that TE Jimmy Graham is likely to be highly inconsistent this season, with two weeks of double digit points in PPR leagues and two highly forgettable weeks. On the other side, RB Dion Lewis (especially after signing his two year extension) looks like he will be a potent fantasy option every week in PPR leagues especially. Things can still change, but the molds have been cast and are beginning to dry.

Using the information we've learned from the first four weeks of the season, we can better prognosticate what's to come in Week 5. Here are a list of players who look like candidates to either have monster Sundays or put up stinkers.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

Potential Booms

Quarterbacks:

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: The legend of Aaron Rodgers grows with each week. So far, he's put up 11 TDs and thrown no picks. At this point, no matter the matchup, you can pencil him in for at least 16. But this week he's at home, where he's nearly unstoppable. Since Dec. 2, 2012, Rodgers's TD-INT ratio at Lambeau Field is a ridiculous 48:0. You would be starting Rodgers even if he was playing on Pluto, but at home, even against a tough Rams defense, expect big returns.

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons: The Redskins just let Sam Bradford throw three TDs against them last week, and the Eagles' offense right now is questionable at best. Meanwhile, Matt Ryan hasn't thrown an INT since Week 1, is traditionally better at home and has yet to have an explosive fantasy game. He's due. This all points to a breakout for Ryan and the unbeaten Falcons on Sunday.

Running Backs:

Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: Jamaal Charles has been one of the few RBs drafted in the opening round who have been worth the high price tag. Expect the trend to continue this week. The Bears have given up 4.4 YPC and over 40 receiving yards per game to RBs so far this season and have also allowed two rushing TDs. They have yet to face a back of Charles's caliber and don't appear to have the manpower or skill to slow the perennial fantasy superstar down.

T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars: The touches have been there for Jacksonville's workhorse, with T.J. Yeldon receiving the third most carries in the NFL so far this season. The problem is that the touchdowns have not been there. Last week was a step in the right direction, with the rookie topping 100 yards for the first time in his young career. This week they face a Buccaneers squad that has been highly vulnerable to the run, giving up three consecutive games of 20 plus points to running backs from Week 1 to Week 3. This is the week of Yeldon's breakout.

Justin Forsett, RB, Ravens: As a general rule of thumb, you could do worse than starting any running back against the 31st ranked Browns rushing defense. It also helps that Justin Forsett roared to life and had his first big game of the season last week, rumbling for 150 yards on the ground. It's safe to assume that he'll have a second consecutive big week at home against Cleveland.

Wide Receivers:

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Chiefs: Fantasy owners were likely worried after the first two weeks of the season when Jeremy Maclin hadn't reached the end-zone or even 60 receiving yards in a game. The last two weeks have restored faith in the receiver, as he's put up 141 and 148 receiving yards and scored a TD. Meanwhile the Bears passing defense has been missing in action for most of the season, allowing eight TDs to receivers in the first four weeks. Look for a third straight big game from Maclin.

Leonard Hankerson, WR, Falcons: An afterthought to start the season, Leonard Hankerson has made himself into a household name among the fantasy community in the first quarter of the season. With Julio Jones battling an injury and Roddy White looking old and ineffective, the door is open for Hankerson in Atlanta's offense. The Redskins have been awful against receivers this season, so you can expect a big game in Atlanta.

Tight Ends:

Charles Clay, TE, Bills: Charles Clay has already separated himself as a low-end TE1 and has been the most targeted Bills player in the passing game this season. Tennessee has looked somewhat vulnerable against TEs this season, giving up a pair of scores and 110 yards in Week 1 and then seven receptions and 83 yards in Week 3. With the way he is being targeted early this season, it's best to keep riding the Clay train.

Defense:

Buffalo Bills: Buffalo's defense has not exactly been a stalwart this season, registering negative points against New England and just three against the Giants (both home games). But against a Titans team that has allowed 12 sacks, six turnovers and two defensive TDs in just three games, plug in Buffalo with confidence.

Kansas City Chiefs: Three consecutive defenses have scored double digit points against the Bears, who have allowed nine sacks, four INTs, three TDs and two fumble recoveries. While the Chiefs have been awful over the last two weeks, they aren't facing Rodgers or Andy Dalton this week, so they should be good for big points.

Potential Busts

Quarterbacks:

Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals: I'm a believer in the Red Rifle, just not this week against Seattle. The Seahawks haven't allowed a TD pass in their last two games and although Cincy is at home, I would steer clear of Andy Dalton this week if at all possible. It seems like Seattle's defense has woken up and that Cincinnati may come back down to Earth in Week 5.

Blake Bortles, QB, Jaguars: With three consecutive respectable-to-good performances, Blake Bortles is officially on fantasy radar. Still, I would temper expectations in Week 5's tilt in Tampa. While the Buccaneers haven't exactly been a shutdown defense this fall, they've fared decently well against quarterbacks, allowing just four passing TDs in the last three games, and an average of 202.33 passing yards per game.

Running Backs:

Jeremy Hill, RB, Bengals: Whether home or away, the Seattle Seahawks have been downright nasty against RBs this fall. In four games, no RB has scored a rushing TD and only one team has topped 100 yards on the ground. Add in the fact that Jeremy Hill seems to be in a timeshare with Giovanni Bernard and it's tough to expect a big game from Hill on Sunday.

Mark Ingram, RB, Saints: One of the few bright spots for the Philadelphia Eagles this season has been their running defense. No back has scored a rushing touchdown and the Eagles have allowed an average of 3.41 YPC. Mark Ingram has performed solidly this season, but the emergence of CJ Spiller and a tough Eagles run defense has this looking like a matchup to avoid.

Wide Receivers:

Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins: Pierre Garcon has performed like a low to mid-range WR2 this season in PPR leagues. He has been targeted consistently and has at least five receptions in every game this season. However, his modest receiving yard totals make him far too TD dependent. The Falcons have surrendered two passing TDs so far, and will be focused on stopping Garcon in the passing attack. Don't bet on Garcon this week.

A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: You're most likely not benching A.J. Green under any circumstance, but be weary this week against Seattle. Green has really only had one big time game and Seattle has only allowed one passing score in four weeks. There's always a chance Green can break loose, but I wouldn't bank on it.

Tight Ends:

Jimmy Graham, TE, Seahawks: Jimmy Graham has been somewhat of a disappointment so far and has not drawn the volume of targets fantasy owners were likely expecting. Coming off of a four reception, 29 receiving yard game and facing a Bengals defense that has not surrendered a score to a TE this season, it may be prudent to bench Graham or temper expectations.

Defenses:

St. Louis Rams: The Rams have been a very strong defensive unit this season, racking up 17 sacks in four weeks, which is good enough for second in the league. But against Green Bay at Lambeau Field, I'm not sure there's any defense worth rolling the dice on. Leave St. Louis on the bench.

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Alec Bohm

Expected to Bat Cleanup for Phillies in 2026?
Kyle Bradish

Expects to Pitch on Innings Limit in 2026
Yordan Alvarez

Says He's Back to 100 Percent
Zac Gallen

Chose Diamondbacks Deal Over Multi-Year Offers
Sal Stewart

Mostly Playing First and Second Base
Tyler Locklear

Will Miss At Least Three More Months
Cam Schlittler

to Resume Throwing on Tuesday
Hurston Waldrep

is Dealing with Elbow Discomfort
Nolan Gorman

JJ Wetherholt is at Second Base, Nolan Gorman Getting Reps at Third
Devin Williams

is Adding New Pitches this Spring
Brandon Nimmo

to Function as Leadoff Hitter
Francisco Lindor

is Very Optimistic for Opening Day
Colt Keith

to Focus on Third Base, First Base This Spring
Edwin Uceta

Skipping WBC Due to "Cranky" Shoulder
Isaac Paredes

to Work at Multiple Positions in Camp
Triston Casas

a Fit for Designated Hitter Role?
Brandon Woodruff

Back to Full Strength
Carlos Narváez

Carlos Narvaez to Remain Boston's Starting Catcher
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia to Hit Cleanup for Phillies?
Jurickson Profar

Recovered From Sports Hernia Surgery
Joey Logano

Should DFS Players Roster Joey Logano At Daytona?
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering for DFS at Daytona?
Chase Briscoe

May Not be Worth DFS Consideration for Daytona
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Daytona This Week For DFS?
Austin Cindric

May Be Worth Rostering At Daytona
Cleveland Browns

Browns to Spend Top Draft Picks on Receiver or Offensive Lineman?
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Daytona Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

May be A Solid and Sneaky Pick for Daytona Lineups
Alex Bowman

is A Highly Favorable Mid-Tier Option for Daytona
Ross Chastain

Could be A Top DFS Scorer for Daytona
Justin Allgaier

is One of the Safest DFS Options for Daytona
Daulton Varsho

Coming Off Career-Best Showing at the Plate
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle Matches Team Germany Record With Third Goal
Karl-Anthony Towns

Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns Claim 2026 Shooting Stars Crown
Jack Eichel

Off to Hot Start in Olympics
Keshad Johnson

Wins 2026 Slam Dunk Contest
OTT

Mads Sogaard Injured Saturday
Damian Lillard

Wins Third Three-Point Contest
Haywood Highsmith

Agrees to Multi-Year Deal With Suns
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Returns For All-Star Game On Minutes Cap
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Emerging As One of The Best at Daytona
William Byron

Trying for Third Straight Daytona 500 Victory
Kyle Larson

Has Never Posted a Top-Five Finish at Daytona
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Overrated at Daytona?
Chris Buescher

an Easy DFS Pick for the Daytona 500
Kyle Busch

on Pole, Still Searching for Elusive Daytona 500 Victory
Jimmie Johnson

Still Has More Left in The Tank
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Feeling "100 Percent"
Lucas Raymond

Ties Team Sweden Record With Three Points Saturday
Anton Lundell

Battling Illness
Kevin Fiala

Out for the Season
Riley Minix

Signs Two-Way Deal With Cavaliers
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Available for All-Star Game
Toronto Raptors

Chris Paul Retires From Basketball
Zach LaVine

to Undergo Season-Ending Hand Surgery
David Pastrnak

Gets Off the Mark at Olympics
Macklin Celebrini

Pots Another Goal Friday
Kevin Fiala

Stretchered Off Against Canada
Aaron Rodgers

Likely to Return to Steelers?
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Want Terry McLaurin to Get 10 Targets a Game
Deandre Ayton

Remains Day-to-Day for Lakers
LeBron James

Posts Historic Triple-Double in Win
Ja Morant

Still Without Clear Return Date
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Expected Back After All-Star Break
Oscar Tshiebwe

Enters Concussion Protocol Thursday
Naji Marshall

Exits Early with Foot Strain
Daniel Gafford

Leaves Game with Ankle Issue
Jordan Binnington

Records 26-Save Shutout Against Czechia
Connor McDavid

Ties Canadian Record With Three Assists in Olympic Debut
Josh Morrissey

Hurt in Olympic Opener
Robert Williams III

Will Not Play Against Utah
Deni Avdija

Sidelined vs. Jazz
Alexandre Sarr

to Miss Multiple Weeks
Naji Marshall

Gets Upgraded to Probable
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Eligible for 2026 Season
CFB

BYU's Parker Kingston Charged with Felony Rape
Cameron Young

Looking for Pebble Beach Success
J.J. Spaun

Looks to Turn Things Around at Pebble Beach
Collin Morikawa

Eyes Turnaround at Pebble Beach
Jake Knapp

Brings Hot Form to Pebble Beach
Nick Taylor

in Good Form Going into Pebble Beach Event
Viktor Hovland

Carrying Momentum Into Pebble Beach
Tommy Fleetwood

Set for 2026 PGA Tour Debut at Pebble Beach
Harris English

Looks to Build on Steady Form at Pebble Beach
Justin Rose

Tuned in for AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Keegan Bradley

a Boom-or-Bust Play at Pebble Beach
Maverick McNealy

Playing Well with Pebble Beach Looming
Russell Henley

Carries Momentum to Pebble Beach
Shane Lowry

Makes 2026 PGA Tour Debut at Pebble Beach
Michael Kim

Putting Well with Pebble Beach on the Horizon
Billy Horschel

a Little Rattled After Consecutive Missed Cuts
Ben Griffin

Solid But Not Spectacular Early in 2026
Wyndham Clark

Has Question Marks Heading to Pebble Beach
Daniel Berger

Heating Up at the Right Time for Pebble Beach
Jordan Spieth

Looking For a Return to Form at Pebble Beach
Juuse Saros

Starting Wednesday
William Nylander

Iffy for Olympic Opener
Martin Necas

Ready for Thursday
Drake Maye

Says his Shoulder Injury was Significant
Xander Schauffele

Trying to Get the Motor Going at Pebble Beach
Hideki Matsuyama

Trying to Overcome Sunday Collapse
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF